Long-time Federal Way resident and small business owner Jack Walsh will run for the Washington State House of Representatives in the 30th Legislative District.

Walsh has not yet declared if he will run against newly-appointed Jesse Johnson, or run for the seat being vacated by Rep. Mike Pellicciotti who will not seek re-election as he runs for state treasurer.

“I have always felt a calling to serve my community,” Walsh stated in a press release. “Whether volunteering locally or serving on the City of Federal Way Human Services Commission, I have seen our government failing those it serves. Elected officials must be held accountable and there needs to be more transparency in government so we can begin working towards real solutions.”

Walsh said with the direction Olympia has taken, he couldn’t just sit by and watch families suffer under current policies being voted on in Olympia and signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee.

“I want our government to work for us,” Walsh stated in the press release. “I won’t sit by and watch the homeless and mental health crisis continue to be ignored. I won’t sit by and watch housing prices continuing to increase while young families aren’t able to buy a house and live the American dream, and I won’t sit by while Democrats try to vote in a devastating state income tax.”

Walsh, the owner of Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream in Federal Way, said he understands what it takes to live within a budget and to make a payroll. He has seen firsthand the impact taxes have on families and small businesses.

“As we saw last session, even with a budget surplus, Democrats still raised taxes by 2 billion dollars. With wise budgeting there will not be a need for increased spending in the areas of drug enforcement, addiction recovery and mental health,” Walsh continued.

He believes state regulations need to be reviewed and outdated or unneeded restrictions need to be revisited.

“I look forward to meeting many people over the next 10 months as I answer tough questions and work hard for each and every vote.”

Walsh’s service to the community includes his work with the Federal Way Parks Department, area churches and other organizations as he helped lead and organize the annual Parks Appreciation Day for 16 years. He has twice led successful advisory vote campaigns to keep retail pot shops out of Federal Way. He is an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and helps lead a young single adult congregation.

Walsh and his wife, Judy, are the parents of five children and seven grandchildren. A former newspaper reporter and editor, Walsh holds a bachelor’s in communications. and has lived in Federal Way for 35 years.